The Edmonton Oilers expected a mid-season change in goal to help stabilize the roster during the playoff race. Instead, the position remains a major concern as the season moves toward its final stretch of games. The team examined ways to address the issue before the trade deadline.
However, internal limitations made any further move difficult.
Tristan Jarry Contract Limited Oilers’ Potential Goalie Move at Trade Deadline
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently shared that the Oilers did examine the possibility of adding another goaltender before the deadline. Edmonton’s struggles in net pushed the front office to look at different options during that period. However, the contract situation involving Tristan Jarry created a major hurdle.
Friedman explained that the team could not complete another move unless Jarry was dealt first. “Oilers explored making a change at the deadline (goaltending) but were trapped by Jarry’s contract. They would have had to trade Jarry and it wasn’t possible. Jarry and the Oilers are having a challenge getting used to each other.”
The situation began with a trade made on Dec. 12 when general manager Stan Bowman decided to replace the team’s starting goaltender. Edmonton sent Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, and a 2029 second-round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In return, the Oilers received Jarry and forward Samuel Poulin.
The move came during a period when Edmonton wanted better results from the position while remaining in the Stanley Cup race. Skinner had struggled earlier in the season, which led management to consider another option.
Jarry had stronger results with Pittsburgh before the trade, but his performance has declined since arriving in Edmonton. His transition also included an injury shortly after the deal. He suffered a lower-body injury during a game against the Boston Bruins on Dec. 18, which kept him out for several weeks before he returned in January.
As the season continued, head coach Kris Knoblauch adjusted the team’s goaltending plan. On Sunday, he confirmed that Connor Ingram would receive most of the starts during the final stretch of the season.
Ingram joined the Oilers earlier in the year and has since taken on a larger role. The 28-year-old previously played a major role with the Arizona Coyotes in the 2023-24 season and now handles the starting duties as Edmonton pushes toward the playoffs.
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The financial side of Jarry’s deal continues to shape the Oilers’ options. The goaltender carries a $5.375 million cap hit and remains under contract through the 2027-28 season. That commitment limited Edmonton’s ability to make another change before the deadline.
For now, the Oilers will move forward with Ingram starting games while Jarry works to improve his form. The team may revisit its long-term goals once the season ends.
